What do Australian numbers start in?

Dialing Down Under: Understanding Australian Phone Numbers

Australia, land of sunshine and unique wildlife, also boasts a distinctive phone numbering system. For those outside the country looking to connect with friends, family, or businesses Down Under, understanding how Australian numbers are formatted is essential. The key lies in the international prefix.

All Australian phone numbers, when dialed internationally, begin with +61. This “+” symbol indicates an international call is being made, and the following “61” specifically designates Australia. This prefix applies across the board, whether you’re calling a mobile phone or a landline.

Following the +61 country code, the remaining digits comprise the subscriber’s number. It’s important to note that when dialing from within Australia, the +61 is replaced with a “0”. This zero serves as a national trunk prefix, similar to how other countries use a “0” for domestic long-distance calls. So, a number dialed internationally as +61 4 XX XXX XXX (where X represents the subscriber’s digits) would be dialed as 04 XX XXX XXX within Australia itself.

This seemingly small difference can be a source of confusion for international callers. Remembering to drop the “0” and replace it with +61 is crucial for successful connections. Conversely, those within Australia dialing an international number need to remember the “+” and the relevant country code.

Therefore, whether you’re calling a Sydney cafe from London or a Melbourne business from New York, remembering the +61 country code is the first step to connecting with Australia. Just remember to drop the “0” if it’s present on a number you’ve been given, as that’s the domestic trunk prefix and not used for international dialing. Keeping these distinctions in mind will ensure smooth communication with anyone Down Under.